Archived Story

That arctic snap was great for ice fishermen

Today is Christmas, but Montana sportsmen and women who love to spend winters in the outdoors started to receive their present from Mother Nature a little over a week ago.

I remember telling people that it didn’t feel like December because of the mild weather that we had the first few days of the month. Ice fishermen, skiers and snowmobilers all should be happier now that western Montana has ice on the lakes and snow in the mountains.

I received an ice fishing report from Dick Zimmer out of Pablo that should provide good news for ice anglers.

Because of a lower perch forage base in the main Flathead Lake, many lake trout have moved into Polson Bay where perch weren’t hurt by cold conditions last spring. Places like the Armed Forces Memorial Bridge and City Dock areas have produced well earlier. All the shallow bays including Glenn’s Cove, Marie’s Cove, Grinde Bay, Stone Quarry Bay and East Bay should provide solid opportunities for catches of lake trout.

Zimmer said in his report that, as more of the lake freezes, Elmo Bay, Big Arm Bay, Somers Bay and between Melita Island and the shore will be good bets for lake trout. Fish these bays in about 40 feet of water and if the main lake freezes, which has not happened in a while, then move out to 100 feet of water.

Other local lakes that already have good ice are Turtle Lake, Kicking Horse, Schwartz Lake, Crow Reservoir, Lake Mary Ronan, Lone Pine Reservoir and Hubbard Reservoir. There are also many excellent ice fishing opportunities both east and west from the north end of Flathead Lake including Swan Lake, Horseshoe Lake, Smith Lake, Rogers Lake, Foy’s Lake Ashley Lake, Bitterroot Lake, McGregor Lake, the Thompson Chain of Lakes and the lower Stillwater lakes. Of course, Browns Lake and Georgetown Lake have good ice and have been fishing fair.

Some of these lakes boast ice fishing derbies that are fun for the whole family. In fact, this Saturday, Dec. 27, the Sunriser Lions family fishing derby will be held on Smith Lake. It is put on by the Kalispell Sunriser Lions Club. Call Warren at (406) 257-5703 for more information.

Then on Saturday, Jan. 3, the Perch Assault kicks off its three-lake derby with the first derby to be held on Smith Lake. You can contact Mike Howe (406) 249-0556 to enter the Perch Assault and find out more about what this three lake-derby is all about.

On Jan. 17-18, the popular Pike on Ice derby will take place on Seeley and Salmon lakes. Toby Bedard is once again the man to contact regarding this fun derby and can be reached at (406) 370-8396.

It certainly looks like it is shaping up to be a fun winter. We are off to an excellent start. Always remember to use extreme caution when you are on the ice, but go and enjoy yourself during the holidays in Montana’s personal winter wonderland.

Mark Ward’s statewide Montana Outdoor Radio Show airs Saturdays from 6 to 8 a.m. in Missoula on KGVO 1290 AM. E-mail Ward at captain@montanaoutdoor.com.
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